Terrorists once again struck Paris and killed innocent people who had nothing to do with global politics. They were busy with their lives when the dark forces of evil went on a killing rampage. The terrorist group, Daesh, has claimed responsibility for the attacks reportedly for the French role in Syria. It would not be long when so-called liberal and secular elements start questioning an ideology followed by 1.57 billion people making over 23 percent of the world population.

These terrorists use the name of Islam to carry out their nefarious designs. We Muslims condemn this brutal attack in strongest words possible. We stand by our French brothers and sisters in this time of distress and offer our heartfelt condolences to those who lost their loved ones.

We fail to understand the reason behind this dastardly attack. How did these attacks serve the cause of Islam or Muslims? In fact, this barbarity will only stoke anti-Islam sentiments among those who otherwise had a sympathetic or neutral stance toward Islam and Muslims.

This brutality will only serve the interests of those who are known for their undue criticism of Islam and Muslims. The motives behind such terrorist attacks remain a mystery. These terrorist organizations have only added to the prevailing anti-Islam sentiments across the world. Due to these un-Islamic actions, Islamophobia is on the rise. Unfortunately, people who don’t know anything about Islam will not be able to differentiate between true Muslims and these deviants. The mainstream western media should try to explain to their audience the position of the majority of Muslims, who are against Daesh and its likes to dispel unjust notions about Islam and Muslims worldwide.

M. Qasim Ahmed

Jeddah